There was no sign of Brendan that evening, nor was he in his bed when Joe got up the next morning.

‘Where’s Brendan?’

‘Is he not in his bed?’

‘No.’

‘He must be working so. He said nothing to me. He was in a wild state yesterday and he leaving the house.’

She laughed, for some reason of her own.

‘You shouldn’t have said those things to him. I thought he was going to kill you.’

‘So did I.’

They both laughed. How odd that they should be sitting there laughing. Odd. She didn’t know just how odd.

‘Who was this girl anyway?’ She was still smiling as she asked the question.

‘A girl he knew. A teacher … don’t remember her name.’

He shook some corn flakes into his bowl. The laughter had left him now. He didn’t want her questions.

‘Was it true what you said about her?’

‘I heard it around.’

‘Was it true?’

‘How would I know? He annoyed me, so I said it.’

‘If only you wouldn’t fight.’

He hurried through his breakfast, hoping to get away before she started again.

‘You shouldn’t say things like that if they’re not true.’

‘Maybe it’s true.’

Mam frowned.

‘I’d like to get her for messing around with Brendan.’

‘Ah, Mam …’

‘I would.’

He got up.

‘I’d better go.’

‘Aye. Run on, son. Be sure you’re back in time to bring your Daddy up his cup of tea. You’ve been wild lately …’

All right, Mam.’

‘I hear Brendan’s away again.’

Peter was waiting for him outside the school gate.

‘Where did you hear that?’

‘Everyone has it.’

‘I wouldn’t know.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I haven’t seen him since yesterday morning.’

‘Where were you yesterday anyway?’

‘I was sick.’

‘Mauryah.’

‘It’s true.’

‘He’s gone. He got in trouble with the boys and he’s gone. Isn’t it a funny thing he didn’t tell you.’

‘I suppose he didn’t want to worry Mam.’

‘Everyone has it.’

‘So you said.’

‘I wouldn’t like to get in trouble with the boys. They can follow you to the ends of the earth.’

Ah, shut up.’

‘What do you think he did?’

‘I haven’t a clue.’

‘Do you think he informed?’

‘Do you want your teeth bashed in?’

‘Try it.’

They scuffled in a half-hearted way until the bell rang.

God the Father, maker of Heaven and earth let him be gone.

Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, let him be gone.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let him be gone. Amen.

That litany was all that he had in his head. No one bothered him all morning. The teachers must have been aware that he had troubles, because they left him alone. No one enquired about his exercises, nor did they ask him to speak in class.